In light of my summer-end scatterbrain, and a collection of newly gained stress-wrinkles, for the sake of both myself and my audience, I have decided to stick with a blog format instead of providing a vlog. This summer has been a grind. While some summers are more seamless than others, this one has been particularly demanding.

It’s important to note that our challenges during AKA summers are not a reflection on the kids and their abundance of energy or their challenging behaviors. Nor is it a critique of any missed opportunities by my staff and myself in handling certain situations. It is not an indictment of the logistics or any meticulous planning that goes into this program. Rather, it’s all the things! It’s the accumulation of all these factors combined – along with the presence of over 1,400 kids, 2,800 parents and guardians and over 110 staff, spanning a period of 12 weeks – that contribute to the complexity and demands of AKA summers.

This is simply the reality at the conclusion of an AKA Summer.  I learned a ton this summer.  We all did.  In some Camps, we were simply too crowded and over-stressed, while in others, we hit the sweet spot.  Kids, parents, coaches… we all know which is which.  As is the case in any aspect of life or business, AKA receives more negative feedback than positive. However, deep down, we know that there are more happy and healthy kids and families than disappointed ones.

But what about all the amazing Minnesota sunshine, the beaches and parks. How about those bus trips and boat rides, the Wild Thing and the Black Hole! What about the endless supply of knock knock jokes and belly laughs!

And in the end, it’s all about the Active card. I need to remind myself what we set out to achieve so many years ago… keeping kids Active and well round through sport. That’s it. I take pride in our dedicated team of positive and enthusiastic coaches and teachers who are committed to the well-being of the kids in our care. The Active card is a testament to our dedication and hard work. We are grateful for all of our AKA coaches who contribute to the success of our program. Thank you for your continued support and motivation.

As we approach our 20-year anniversary in June 2024, my objective is to enhance all the programs and knowledge we have acquired this summer and throughout the current year. Additionally, I need to remember to celebrate this milestone, and everyone who has joined me and taken part in this journey.

Life is Good and AKA remains to be a positive space. Thank you all who took part.

Here’s wishing you a fantastic school year!

With immense Gratitude, Coach Chris